pregnancy comes with a host of unpleasant side effects, such as severe nausea or persistent back pain, but many common medications are unsafe once a baby arrives.
If you're looking for something natural to cure your morning sickness, tight lower back, or even pregnancy-related anxiety, you might be wondering about CBD.
Can we take CBD when pregnant?
As indicated on its website, "The ANSM recalls that medical cannabis Or CBD is contraindicated: in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
But there are no studies on pregnant women. Doctors just don't know what will happen if a pregnant woman takes CBD.
But there is also a greater risk. The CBD industry is virtually unregulated. Random testing shows contamination in many samples, and THC, the hallucinogenic factor in marijuana, can be found in CBD products that claim to have none.
As wonderful as this substance may sound, it is not safe for use during pregnancy. While there isn't enough research yet to say for sure what can go wrong, there are a few potential issues you should be aware of. And until we know more, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid using CBD while pregnant.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a component of the cannabis plant. CBD has many therapeutic benefits, such as helping relieve chronic pain , anxiety and depression, insomnia , and nausea and vomiting . There are several ways to take CBD, including cream, balm, patch, sublingual oils, and capsules.
However, CBD will not get you high. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another well-known component of the cannabis plant, CBD is not intoxicating. Many people prefer to use CBD because it gives them the benefits of cannabis without the associated "high". You can usually get CBD anywhere in the country because it is legal in many countries .
CBD and pregnancy
The ANSM states that it "strongly advises against the use" of CBD during pregnancy or breastfeeding. You should avoid CBD during pregnancy, mainly because the effects on the developing fetus are simply unknown. We know that THC can enter the developing baby's brain, so there's reason to believe that CBD can too.
“There is a potential risk that [CBD] could affect embryo implantation and promote miscarriage,” warns Dr. Felice Gersh , California obstetrician and award-winning author of two books on fertility and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Every pregnancy is different. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional about your situation if you have any questions about taking CBD during pregnancy.
What should I do if I use CBD before I know I'm pregnant?
If you are a regular CBD user or just tried it before you had a positive pregnancy test, don't panic. According to Dr. Marco Muanes, obstetrician-gynecologist and fertility expert at the Rejuvenating Fertility Center in New York, all is well. Along with stopping CBD use, he advises contacting your GYNECO so they can monitor you as needed.
Since we really don't know enough about the effects of CBD on pregnancy and fetal development, we have to rely on what we know about THC, since both components come from cannabis.
Of the Rat studies have shown developmental defects in baby rats and signs of higher anxiety, autism, epilepsy and developmental disabilities in males.
In fact, the last study of November 15, 2021 shows that children of women who use cannabis have a higher risk of anxiety, aggression, hyperactivity and a weakened immune system at the age of 6 years. It also shows impaired development of the placenta.
The study did not specify whether it was CBD or a mixture of different ingredients or THC. As long as you stop using THC immediately, previous THC use will not cause miscarriage.
In some cases, your OB-GYN may prescribe progesterone to offset the potential risk of miscarriage, notes Dr. Gersh . "Taking supplemental progesterone may provide some protection against the effects of exposure to CBD in early pregnancy... [such as] sometimes helping to prevent miscarriage ."
Precautions for Pregnant Women Taking CBD
CBD is not safe to take during pregnancy. There are several potential risks you should be aware of.
- Potential risk of miscarriage
Animal studies have found a link between CBD use and early miscarriages. Although animal studies do not directly apply to humans, you may want to stop taking CBD as a precaution if you are actively trying to conceive.
- Potential reproductive hazard
Another animal study linked CBD use during pregnancy to lower sperm production in male offspring.69 So if you give birth to a boy, there may be a risk to his future. reproductive health. Again, the results of animal studies do not always translate to humans. However, it is better to play it safe.
- Worsening of pregnancy-related side effects
Many people like CBD because of its minimal side effects. However, some people experience fatigue or diarrhea when using CBD.
These side effects can negatively affect your pregnancy. No one wants to be even more tired than pregnancy already is, and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, a dangerous condition during pregnancy.
When can I resume using CBD?
If you choose to breastfeed your baby, you should continue to stop using CBD. "CBD...will pass through breast milk and into the baby," warns Dr. Gersh .
There is some evidence that CBD in breast milk can negatively affect a baby's motor development. And because it stays in the milk for a while, it's not something you can "pump and dump". “Some studies show that CBD oil derivatives can be detected in breast milk for up to six days after use,” Dr. Mouanes points out.
Once you have completely weaned your baby, it is safe to start using CBD again. At this stage, there is no longer any risk for your child.
Taking CBD has its pros and cons, but these are up to you and should be discussed with a doctor.
Alternatives to CBD during pregnancy
If you are looking for relief from certain pregnancy symptoms, there are several natural remedies that can help.
Ginger
Ginger is an ancient remedy that has been shown to relieve nausea and vomiting . Dr. Gersh notes that you can consume ginger in any form, including candied, pickled, or in tea form, to experience positive effects.
Magnesium
If you can't get the sleep you need, magnesium, an essential vitamin, can help. Magnesium has a calming effect when taken regularly, which, in addition to promoting good sleep, can help combat anxiety and depression . Taking a magnesium supplement blocks pain receptors, which can reduce headaches and other aches and pains.
Vitamin B
Dr. Mouanes notes that vitamin B can significantly reduce nausea caused by pregnancy . However, he also points out that you shouldn't take more vitamin B than what is already included in prenatal vitamins, unless recommended by a doctor because we don't know enough about its effects on the developing fetus.
Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or medication.
Conclusion :
CBD has many benefits, but possible risks to the developing fetus make it unsafe for use during pregnancy. Miscarriages and effects on future fertility or motor development of the baby may be associated with its use, and until we know more, the risk is not worth it.
However, that doesn't mean you have to suffer from uncomfortable or unbearable pregnancy side effects. Don't be afraid to ask an obstetrician/gynecologist, midwife, or health care provider for ideas on how to safely treat your symptoms.
